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Health issues have forced the closure of the Onyx Street standpipe by Walgett Shire Council.
The standpipe has been at the centre of considerable controversy over a period of seven months for its alleged misuse by professional roo shooters.
The state of the standpipe area triggered a rush of complaints from domestic users and defensive comments by professional roo shooters refuting their use of the area for wash down purposes.
Group Manager Infrastructure John Burden in an interview with the Advocate during February revealed “Council is not responsible for providing facilities for commercial operations”, but agreed that it was Council’s responsibility to establish who must provide the necessary facility.
“The Onyx Street standpipe has been temporarily closed, as during the drought there has been an increase in roo shooting, and the illegal use of the site,” said Mr Burden.
“It is the intention of Council to clean up the area, have it resealed and brought up to the required standard.
“However, it can only be used for domestic purposes.
“Meanwhile the Harlequin Street standpipe has been reopened,” he said.
“The water tankers are still required to collect their supplies form the Shincracker Street standpipe opposite Mobil.
“Lightning Ridge Chamber of Commerce have undertaken to fund the establishment of a
commercial wash down facility,” said Mr Burden.
Lightning Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc President, Stephen Eldridge, has confirmed that the Chamber has requested that the Shire draw up plans, establish the overall cost and effect the work on the proposed site near the effluent ponds.
It is expected that the roo shooters will fund this proposal.
Today’s game shooters are professionals in an industry which entails licensing and many restrictions. To comply they must have a wash down area.
Walgett Shire Council promised a thorough investigation and report on this entire matter in February this year.
This included appropriate action being taken if warranted. The dilemma this million dollar industry faced seven months ago is as real today.
They have no wash down area. Responsibility for its establishment has not been determined. Further health issues are likely. Meanwhile Lightning Ridge Chamber of Commerce have stepped in as mediators in an attempt to save the industry.
The promised identification of responsibility by Walgett Shire Council should be sooner rather than later.
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